IPSWICH: Ipswich Hospital staff were celebrating today after being declared best in Britain!

An independent healthcare survey has revealed that the town’s hospital trust has performed well across a range of categories, specifically in orthopaedics and urology.

The 2010 Dr Foster Hospital Guide also found that the Heath Road-based hospital has succeeded in ensuring patient safety.

Chief executive Andrew Reed said the accolade could be attributed to the hard work of the staff.

He added: “I am very proud that Ipswich Hospital has been named medium-sized trust of the year.

“Everyone at the hospital plays a part in the quality of care we provide, but it is a particular accolade to our doctors, nurses and all clinical professions who have maintained an unrelenting focus on the safety and experience of our patients.”

The report also revealed that Ipswich Hospital also has a low rate of repeat operations, receiving one of the lowest rates across the East of England.

It is a huge boost after a difficult start to the year after two toddlers died of meningitis within weeks of each other.

Between December 14, 2009 and New Years’ Eve of the same year, the pair died from the brain bug.

The hospital apologised to families after a SUDOC (sudden death of child) investigation uncovered serious failings.

Meanwhile, the report also announced the East of England Strategic Health Authority as leading the way in standards of orthopaedic care, with West Suffolk Hospital being named amongst the best six performers in the country across all six performance indicators.

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